What to Do When the Electronically Assisted Steering Wheel Feels Heavy?
3 Answers
An electronically assisted steering wheel becoming heavy is mainly caused by insufficient lubrication in the steering gear, low tire pressure, a depleted battery, or a malfunctioning power assist unit. The specific explanations are as follows: 1. Insufficient lubrication in the steering gear: When the car's steering gear lacks lubrication, symptoms such as steering stiffness and a heavy steering wheel may occur. In this case, lubricating oil should be added, and if necessary, the power steering fluid should be replaced. 2. Low tire pressure: When the tire pressure is too low, the contact area between the tires and the ground increases, leading to greater resistance while driving, which makes the steering wheel feel heavier. In this situation, the tires should be inflated promptly. 3. Depleted battery: If the battery is depleted for an extended period, the steering wheel will not receive assistance from the motor. In this case, the battery should be recharged. 4. Malfunctioning power assist unit: If the car's electronic power assist unit fails, a heavy steering wheel can be one of the symptoms indicating a potential issue. For a detailed diagnosis, it is advisable to consult professionals at a 4S shop or a repair facility.
I drive a car with electric power steering, and recently the steering wheel suddenly became heavy, as if there was no power assistance. My first thought was to check the battery voltage, because low voltage can cause the power steering system to malfunction. I measured it with a multimeter, and sure enough, it was below 12 volts, so I quickly tried charging it. If the voltage is normal, the issue might be with the torque sensor, which is responsible for sensing steering force—if it's dirty or damaged, it can cause heaviness. Other possibilities include a faulty power steering motor or software that needs updating. I rebooted the system by disconnecting the negative battery terminal for a few minutes and then reconnecting it, which can sometimes provide a temporary fix. But in the end, I found that the sensor connector was loose, and tightening it solved the problem. Don’t ignore this issue, as it can make turning difficult and increase the risk of accidents. Regular maintenance, like cleaning steering components, can help prevent this problem.
As someone who frequently repairs cars, I believe that a heavy electronic power steering wheel is mostly due to sensor or motor issues. The sensor detects the steering angle, and if the signal is inaccurate, the power assist will weaken. The motor provides steering assistance, and wear may lead to insufficient power output. First, check the relevant fuses in the fuse box—replace any that are blown. Then, use an OBD scanner to read the fault codes, which can quickly pinpoint the problem. If you don't have the equipment, try restarting: park, turn off the engine, wait ten minutes, and then start again. If it still doesn't work, it could be a wiring short circuit or control module failure, requiring professional diagnosis. Avoid disassembling it yourself to prevent making things worse. Additionally, low tire pressure can indirectly affect the steering feel, so ensure the tires are properly inflated first.
